Flooding forces Springfield library closure

Monday

That's how Springfield Public Library staff discovered that portions of the library floor were flooded Monday morning, library director Emily David said.

Facilities staff member Rick Turner discovered the source of the deluge in a custodial closet: a leaking water heater, David said.

Now, the library and a meeting room in Springfield City Hall are closed through Tuesday.

"There's very minimal damage to library materials," David said. "But all of the staff work spaces were just puddles."

David did not know how many gallons of water ended up on the floor, but it seeped into the carpet near a storage room, library staff offices and a public computer space, she said. No computers were damaged, and very few books got wet, she said.

On Monday, crews worked to vacuum water from the carpets, elevate movable book shelves on blocks and drill holes in built-in shelves to let air circulate.

"We're worried about mold at this point," David said. "Mold doesn't go well with books ... or anything really."

Library workers expect the area to be mostly dry before reopening Wednesday morning.

Operating hours will be posted to the library's Facebook page at facebook.com/springfieldpubliclibrary when staff learn more about reopening.

Those who wish to return books and other library items can do so at the book drop. Online services also are still accessible.

A cost estimate for the water damage was not available Monday afternoon, Fossen said.